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Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension and angina by relaxing the muscles of heart and blood vessels.

Mode of drug action

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. Nifedipine inhibits the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels, this, in turn, inhibits the contractile process of smooth muscle cells. This inhibition causes dilation of coronary and systemic arteries, thus oxygen delivery to the myocardial tissue increases and the systemic blood pressure decreases. The vasodilatory effect facilitates the decrease in the blood pressure.

What are the common side effects?

The side effects of nifedipine include swelling of the ankle, limb, and tongue, and chest pain, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, heartburn, headache, muscle cramp, and discoloration of skin and eyes.